I always use a nickname when introducing myself socially and yet am surprised to see Mr. Nickname Surname come back to me on an envelope.

Gentle Reader--Why? That`s what you sent out; so of course that is what you will get back. How is one to know you actually aren`t named Rick, if that`s what you go around calling yourself?

You expected Miss Manners to agree with you, didn`t you? Well, basically she does. Nicknames should be a sign of intimacy and affection, used by those who know one well, not those whom one is meeting for the first time. They are certainly not appropriate for any formal circumstances.

But if nickname usage is to be the privilege of closeness, its owner must be the first to guard it.